Mother was ‘perplexed’ when deputies arrived at home where malnourished children were shackled: officials

Perris, California (KTLA) -- The mother of 13 malnourished children who were found being held at a filthy, foul-smelling Perris home, some of them chained to furniture, was “perplexed” when deputies entered the residence over the weekend, a sheriff’s captain said Tuesday.

Louise Anna Turpin, 49, was arrested along with her 56-year-old husband, David Allen Turpin, on Sunday. The Turpins' arrest was announced by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department on Monday, exploding into a story bringing national media attention to the residential community some 60 miles east of Los Angeles.

Sheriff’s Capt. Greg Fellows, who serves at chief of Perris police, said conditions in the home were “horrific.” But authorities had never before been called to the Muir Woods Road home, where the family moved in 2014.

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David and Louise Turpin charged with holding 13 children captive

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David and Louise Turpin charged with holding 13 children captive

A combination photo of David Allen Turpin (L) and Louise Ann Turpin as they appear in booking photos provided by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department in Riverside County, California, U.S., January 15, 2018. Riverside County Sheriff's Department/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. THIS PICTURE WAS PROCESSED BY REUTERS TO ENHANCE QUALITY. AN UNPROCESSED VERSION HAS BEEN PROVIDED SEPARATELY

Prosecutors are moving to legally separate David and Louise Turpin from the 13 children they allegedly held captive… https://t.co/Ri047Hiv0m

Vehicles remain in the driveway of 160 Muir Woods Road from where authorities rescued 13 malnourished children held captive by their parents in Perris, California. on January 16, 2018.
David Allen Turpin and Louise Anna Turpin have been arrested for torture after authorities said on January 15, 2018, their 13 children were held captive in their home, with some shackled to beds in the dark. Authorities set bail at $9 million for the parents after a 17-year-old girl escaped the house on Sunday and called 911 using a cellphone found inside. / AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

David and Louise Turpin with attorneys David Macher (R) and Jeff Moore (2nd L) are seen during their court arraignment in Riverside, California on January 18, 2018.
The California couple who held their 13 malnourished children captive in a suburban home were charged Thursday with multiple counts of torture and child abuse as prosecutors said the youngsters had been shackled even to go to the bathroom. Turpin, 57, and his wife, 49, were hit with 12 counts of torture, 12 of false imprisonment, six of child abuse and six of abuse of a dependent adult at a court hearing in the city of Riverside.
/ AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

PERRIS, CA - JANUARY 15: Neighbors stand outside a home (not pictured) where a couple was arrested after police discovered that 13 people had been held captive in filthy conditions with some shackled to beds with chains and padlocks, January 15, 2018 in Perris California. David Allen Turpin and his wife Louise Anna Turpin were charged with torture and child endangerment after a 17 year old escaped the residence and contacted the police. 12 others, ages ranging from 2 to 29, were discovered emaciated and malnourished in the home. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

New media gather outside the home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 16, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

A decoration hangs in the window of the home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 16, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Louise Turpin is seen with attorney Jeff Moore during her court arraignment in Riverside, California on January 18, 2018.
The California couple who held their 13 malnourished children captive in a suburban home were charged Thursday with multiple counts of torture and child abuse as prosecutors said the youngsters had been shackled even to go to the bathroom. David Turpin, 57, and his wife, 49, were hit with 12 counts of torture, 12 of false imprisonment, six of child abuse and six of abuse of a dependent adult at a court hearing in the city of Riverside.
/ AFP PHOTO / POOL / Terry PIERSON (Photo credit should read TERRY PIERSON/AFP/Getty Images)

David Turpin appears in court for his arraignment in Riverside, California, U.S. January 18, 2018. REUTERS/Terry Pierson/Pool

Neighborhood resident Rosenberg Salgado steps out of his vehicle with a photo of his neice Elizabeth Laguna, who went missing nearly three years ago, after authorities rescued 13 malnourished children held captive by their parents in Perris, California, on January 16, 2018.
David Allen Turpin and Louise Anna Turpin have been arrested for torture after authorities said on January 15, 2018, their 13 children were held captive in their home, with some shackled to beds in the dark. Authorities set bail at $9 million for the parents after a 17-year-old girl escaped the house on Sunday and called 911 using a cellphone found inside. / AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

The home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 15, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin speaks during a press conference in Riverside, California on a California couple who held their 13 malnourished children captive in a suburban home, charged Thursday with multiple counts of torture and child abuse on January 18, 2018 in Riverside, California.
David Allen Turpin, 57, and his wife Louise Anna Turpin, 49 were hit with 12 counts of torture, 12 of false imprisonment, six of child abuse and six of abuse of a dependent adult at a court hearing in the city of Riverside. David Turpin was also charged with committing a lewd act against a child by force or fear or duress, District Attorney Mike Hestrin told a press conference.
/ AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

Louise Turpin appears at her court arraignment with husband David in Riverside, California on January 18, 2018.
The California couple who held their 13 malnourished children captive in a suburban home were charged Thursday with multiple counts of torture and child abuse as prosecutors said the youngsters had been shackled even to go to the bathroom. David Turpin, 57, and his wife, 49, were hit with 12 counts of torture, 12 of false imprisonment, six of child abuse and six of abuse of a dependent adult at a court hearing in the city of Riverside.
/ AFP PHOTO / Terry PIERSON (Photo credit should read TERRY PIERSON/AFP/Getty Images)

David Turpin appears at his court arraignment with wife Louise in Riverside, California on January 18, 2018.
The California couple who held their 13 malnourished children captive in a suburban home were charged Thursday with multiple counts of torture and child abuse as prosecutors said the youngsters had been shackled even to go to the bathroom. David Turpin, 57, and his wife, 49, were hit with 12 counts of torture, 12 of false imprisonment, six of child abuse and six of abuse of a dependent adult at a court hearing in the city of Riverside.
/ AFP PHOTO / TERRY PIERSON (Photo credit should read TERRY PIERSON/AFP/Getty Images)

News crews gather outside the home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 15, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

David Turpin and Louise Turpin appear in court for their arraignment in Riverside, California, U.S. January 18, 2018. REUTERS/Gina Ferazzi/Pool TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY

David Turpin (R) and Louise Turpin (L) appear in court for their arraignment in Riverside, California, U.S. January 18, 2018. REUTERS/Gina Ferazzi/Pool

Louise Ann Turpin appears in a booking photo provided by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department January 15, 2018. Riverside County Sheriff's Department/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY.

David Allen Turpin appears in a booking photo provided by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department January 15, 2018. Riverside County Sheriff's Department/Handout via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS - THIS IMAGE WAS PROVIDED BY A THIRD PARTY. THIS PICTURE WAS PROCESSED BY REUTERS TO ENHANCE QUALITY. AN UNPROCESSED VERSION HAS BEEN PROVIDED SEPARATELY

The home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 15, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

RIVERSIDE, CA - JANUARY 18: Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin announces charges filed against a couple accused of holding their 13 children captive on January 18, 2018 in Riverside, California. According to Riverside County Sheriffs, David Allen Turpin, 57, and Louise Anna Turpin, 49, held 13 malnourished children ranging in age from 2 to 29 captive in their Perris, California home. Deputies were alerted after a 17-year-old daughter escaped by jumping through a window shortly before dawn on Sunday morning, carrying a de-activated mobile phone from which she was able to call 911 for help. Responding deputies described conditions in the home as foul-smelling with some kids chained to a bed and suffering injuries as a result. Adult children appeared at first to be minors because of their malnourished state. The Turpins were arrested on charges of torture and child endangerment. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

News crews gather outside the home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 15, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

Neighbors stand and watch news crews outside the home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 15, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

PERRIS, CA - JANUARY 15: The home where a couple was arrested after police discovered that 13 people had been held captive in filthy conditions with some shackled to beds with chains and padlocks is shown January 15, 2018 in Perris California. David Allen Turpin and his wife Louise Anna Turpin were charged with torture and child endangerment after a 17 year old escaped the residence and contacted the police. Twelve others, ranging in age from 2 to 29, were discovered emaciated and malnourished in the home. (Photo by Sandy Huffaker/Getty Images)

David and Louise Turpin look on as attorney David Macher speaks during their court arraignment in Riverside, California on January 18, 2018.
The California couple who held their 13 malnourished children captive in a suburban home were charged Thursday with multiple counts of torture and child abuse as prosecutors said the youngsters had been shackled even to go to the bathroom. Turpin, 57, and his wife, 49, were hit with 12 counts of torture, 12 of false imprisonment, six of child abuse and six of abuse of a dependent adult at a court hearing in the city of Riverside.
/ AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

New media gather outside the home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 16, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

David Turpin confers with attorneys Allison Lowe (back of head) and David Macher (R) as Louise Turpin confers with attorney Jeff Moore, during his court arraignment with wife Louise in Riverside, California on January 18, 2018.
The California couple who held their 13 malnourished children captive in a suburban home were charged Thursday with multiple counts of torture and child abuse as prosecutors said the youngsters had been shackled even to go to the bathroom. David Turpin, 57, and his wife, 49, were hit with 12 counts of torture, 12 of false imprisonment, six of child abuse and six of abuse of a dependent adult at a court hearing in the city of Riverside.
/ AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

RIVERSIDE, CA - JANUARY 18: Reporters set up microphones at the podium before Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin announces charges filed against a couple accused of holding their 13 children captive on January 18, 2018 in Riverside, California. According to Riverside County Sheriffs, David Allen Turpin, 57, and Louise Anna Turpin, 49, held 13 malnourished children ranging in age from 2 to 29 captive in their Perris, California home. Deputies were alerted after a 17-year-old daughter escaped by jumping through a window shortly before dawn on Sunday morning, carrying a de-activated mobile phone from which she was able to call 911 for help. Responding deputies described conditions in the home as foul-smelling with some kids chained to a bed and suffering injuries as a result. Adult children appeared at first to be minors because of their malnourished state. The Turpins were arrested on charges of torture and child endangerment. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

RIVERSIDE, CA - JANUARY 18: Louise Anna Turpin (L) David Allen Turpin (2ed R), accused of holding their 13 children captive, appear in court for arraignment with attorneys Jeff Moore and Alison Lowe (R) on January 18, 2018 in Riverside, California. According to Riverside County Sheriffs, David Allen Turpin and Louise Anna Turpin held 13 malnourished children ranging in age from 2 to 29 captive in their Perris, California home. Deputies were alerted after a 17-year-old daughter escaped by jumping through a window shortly before dawn on Sunday morning, carrying a de-activated mobile phone from which she was able to call 911 for help. Responding deputies described conditions in the home as foul-smelling with some kids chained to a bed and suffering injuries as a result. Adult children appeared at first to be minors because of their malnourished state. The Turpins were arrested on charges of torture and child endangerment. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi-Pool/Getty Images)

Louise Turpin appears in court for her arraignment in Riverside, California, U.S. January 18, 2018. REUTERS/Frederic J. Brown/Pool

New media gather outside the home of David Allen and Louise Anna Turpin in Perris, California, U.S., January 16, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

A media person takes a photo of a childs car seat inside one of the vehicles in front of the house at 160 Muir Woods Road in Perris, California, from where authorities rescued 13 malnourished children reportedly held captive by their parents, on January 15, 2018.
David Allen Turpin and Louise Anna Turpin have been arrested for torture after authorities said on Monday their 13 children were held captive in their home, with some shackled to beds in the dark. Authorities set bail at $9 million for the parents after a 17-year-old girl escaped the house on Sunday and called 911 using a cellphone found inside.
/ AFP PHOTO / Bill Wechter (Photo credit should read BILL WECHTER/AFP/Getty Images)

A sign is viewed in a neighboorhood where authorities rescued 13 malnourished children held captive by their parents in Perris, California on January 16, 2018.
David Allen Turpin and Louise Anna Turpin have been arrested for torture after authorities said on January 15 ,2018 their 13 children were held captive in their home, with some shackled to beds in the dark. Authorities set bail at $9 million for the parents after a 17-year-old girl escaped the house on Sunday and called 911 using a cellphone found inside. / AFP PHOTO / FREDERIC J. BROWN (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

PICTURED: Parents David and Louise Turpin were arrested on torture and child endangerment charges after police say… https://t.co/BQActvfDJu

"I didn’t know there were kids in the house.” - Andrew Santillan, who lives around the corner from the Turpin's hou… https://t.co/eGhA8CtKKn

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After the “courageous” teen got out of the home before dawn and placed her emergency call, deputies came to meet her nearby, the captain said.

She showed the deputies photos that supported her claims that her siblings were being held against their will. The deputies went to the home to do a welfare check.

There, they found three children chained to furniture in a dirty home. The 13 siblings ranged in age from 2 to 29, but the adult children looked like youths.

“If you can imagine being 17 years old and appearing to be a 10-year-old, being chained to a bed, being malnourished … I would call that torture,” Fellows said.

Their mother, however, did not seem to understand why deputies were at the home.

(Photo via KTLA)

“It seemed that the mother was perplexed as to why we were at that residence,” Fellows said.